OPTIMIZATION AND DESIGN OF BLADE SHAPES FOR WIND TURBINE ROTORS

Abstract

This project consists of designing, and testing the performance of a Savonius Vertical Wind Turbine. The project comparesthe performance oftwo designs: a classic barrel Savonius design, and the innovative design of Ice wind, an Icelandic startup that makes Vertical Axis WindTurbines(VAWTs). In order to do so, first a literature review is carried out to understand the theory behind wind turbines and to understand the different types and characteristics of VAWT.

A Computer Aided Design (CAD) tool is then used to make a basic barrel Savonius rotor. Then, the Icewind design is reverse engineered from promotional material available on the company’s website. Computer simulations, both 2D and 3D, are run to understand the characteristics of a Savonius rotor, and to obtain its pressure profile when subjected to a wind flow. A physical model of both designs is built to physically test and compare the performance of the two designs under different conditions. Finally, a consumer behavior study is conducted to learn about the design’s appeal to the public. From the different steps, we concluded thatIcewind does show a better performance on all fronts. Not only is it more efficient –for the same cost-, but it is more accepted by the public.